BCTR Overview Teaching in Baltimore Living in Baltimore Who We Want BCTR Summer Program Math Immersion Program Teaching Special Education

Application Process Eligibility Testing Requirements Application Deadlines

Why Join? Training & Resources Certification Program Costs Professional Development District Hiring Salary & Benefits Learn More

Teacher Talk Profiles Blog Videos

Frequently Asked Questions

Teaching in Baltimore

What does a typical day look like?
Schools days are typically about 6.5 hours long; however, class schedules, length of the school day and school year may vary from school to school. Teachers also spend time outside the classroom preparing lessons and grading schoolwork. Residents will attend professional development sessions or faculty meetings after school hours, in addition to licensure coursework. A teacher's first year is incredibly intense, regardless of his or her background or preparation. Residents should be prepared to work long hours.
[Return to top]

Once I am a full time teacher, will I teach over the summer?
Residents will participate in an intensive summer training program before entering their classrooms for the first time. Review the Training & Resources section for more details. However, once you are a full time teacher, you would not be required to teach over the summer. Many teachers elect to teach summer school, although the number of positions is limited.
[Return to top]

What part of Baltimore will I be teaching in?
Baltimore City Teaching Residency will work in high-need schools, typically with records of low academic achievement. While the program staff considers a candidate’s geographic and school preferences when possible, the needs of the school and the candidate’s subject area eligibility are given priority during the placement process. Ultimately, we want to place teachers where they are needed most within the city, regardless of neighborhood. For more information, review the District Hiring page of this website.
[Return to top]

How safe are the schools?
We believe our schools are safe. We encourage concerned candidates to visit the areas in which they may teach during a regular school day to determine their own level of comfort with the environment.
[Return to top]

I am interested in teaching special education but nervous about that type of job. What does it really mean to teach special education?
Special education is designed around the concept of individualized curriculum to provide greater support for certain students. One of the most exciting aspects of a placement in special education is the opportunity to be both advocate and teacher. While teachers are first and foremost responsible for academic goals, they also work to develop a positive school environment for students with special needs. The best way to get a sense of what it means to teach in a special education class is to talk to a teacher or visit a classroom. More information about and training on supporting students with special needs will be available during the summer training and through the Resident’s licensure program.
[Return to top]

How long is the commitment?
We hope that Residents will commit to a lifetime career in education. The goal of the Baltimore City Teaching Residency is to add to the existing network of dedicated teachers in City Schools who are passionate about educational equity and ready to work actively to achieve results in their classrooms on a daily basis. We also hope that outstanding individuals who enter the teaching profession through the Residents program will continue their career as educators in Baltimore, fulfilling our shared mission of closing the achievement gap for years to come.
[Return to top]

Why should I become part of Baltimore City Teaching Residency?
Your knowledge and experience can help ensure that every child in Baltimore has access to a high quality education. We know that there is an achievement gap in this city and in our nation, and we know that high-quality teachers are the single most important factor in raising student achievement. As a Resident, you will join a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to closing the achievement gap and to making a difference. Click here to learn more.
[Return to top]

Licensure

What does "alternative certification" mean?
As an alternate route program, the Residency program accelerates the process of bringing new teachers to the classrooms that need them the most. Rather than completing a traditional teacher education program prior to entering the classroom, Residents engage in a short but intensive summer training program and complete further academic requirements while they teach full time, earning a full time salary. Review the certification page of this website for more information.
[Return to top]

Will I receive state certification?
Candidates accepted into the Baltimore City Teaching Residency will be granted a Resident Teacher Certificate (RTC) by the Maryland State Department of Education. The RTC was created to allow outstanding individuals with no previous education coursework the opportunity to teach while taking BCTR certification coursework to achieve a Standard Professional Teaching Certificate. Resident Teachers will enroll in the BCTR’s Teaching for Results Content Seminars and literacy coursework to complete the requirements for Maryland Certification. Assuming all coursework has been completed, and Residents have passed the Praxis II Pedagogy exam, most members of the Residency will receive a Standard Professional Teaching Certificate at the end of their first year of teaching. Residents teaching Special Education will receive both their Special Education and content area certification at the end of their second year of teaching.
[Return to top]

What exams will I need to take?
All Residents must pass the Praxis I or produce MD satisfactory scores on the SAT/GRE/ACT/ For more information about this requirement, please visit our Testing Requirements page. In addition to this requirement, all Residents must also pass the content portion of Praxis II before they can begin teaching in their assigned content area. Although applicants do not have to take the tests prior to applying to BCTR, we strongly recommend registering for the tests through Educational Testing Services as soon as possible. Final placement cannot occur until the necessary tests are passed. For more information about the Praxis Exams, please visit: www.ets.org/praxis/prxmd.html
[Return to top]

Can I receive a waiver or exemption from the subject area exam, based on undergraduate coursework or professional experience?
No, all Residents must take and pass the Praxis II Content Knowledge exam before the start of their training.
[Return to top]

How much will my licensure courses cost?
More detailed information on licensure costs will be provided to Residents upon acceptance and enrollment into the program. Residents will be responsible for the cost of tuition. Review the program cost section for more information.
[Return to top]

Qualifications

What type of person is a good candidate for Baltimore City Teaching Residency?
There is no one profile for an ideal BCTR candidate; Residents come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring to the program a diverse set of talents and skills. Strong candidates are those who are committed to having a positive effect on student achievement, who display excellence in their previous endeavors, and who are dedicated to reaching and influencing students—especially those in under-resourced areas—on a daily basis.
[Return to top]

How do I know if I am eligible for Baltimore City Teaching Residency?
Applicants to the Residency program should review the strict requirements laid out on the website to check if they meet eligibility for the BCTR.
[Return to top]

Am I eligible if I have no prior teaching experience or prior coursework in education?
Yes. Individuals without prior teaching experience or coursework in education are eligible for the program and encouraged to apply. The Residency program is specifically designed to attract high-quality applicants from diverse backgrounds into the teaching profession. Click here for more information.
[Return to top]

Are individuals who have substituted in Baltimore eligible for the program?
Anyone who has worked as a full-time, licensed teacher is not eligible for this program. However, individuals who hold or have worked under substitute licenses are eligible to apply. For more details, visit the eligibility section of this website.
[Return to top]

Why aren't licensed teachers eligible to apply, and what should they do to start teaching in Baltimore?
The Baltimore City Teaching Residency program is specifically designed to provide training and alternative certification to individuals who have had limited or no education coursework or experience. There are other paths to employment for licensed teachers and individuals who have completed teacher education programs. For more information on employment for licensed teachers, visit the district’s application website.
[Return to top]

Why am I ineligible to apply if I have 18 or more credits in education related coursework?

As an alternative certification program, the Baltimore City Teaching Residency is designed for those with limited coursework in education. Those with 18 credits or more have already completed the equivalent of a minor in education, giving them significant experience in the field. An individual with this number of credits may be able to complete their certification at an institution of higher education in a manner that is holds lower financial implication and a more expedited pathway. These individuals should contact the state or district where they would like to teach and speak with a certification specialist regarding what would be required to obtain certification.

[Return to top]

What if I don't have a 2.75 GPA?
Individuals must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher within their eligible subject area from an accredited college or university to be eligible to apply to this program. This GPA requirement is dictated by the Maryland State Department of Education and, in most instances, non-negotiable. Please review the Eligibility section for more information on our eligibility requirements before applying.
[Return to top]

Do I need to be a resident of Baltimore to apply?
No. You do not need to be a resident of Baltimore to apply. This program is open to all qualified, determined candidates with the skills and ambitions to make a difference in the lives of students who live in Baltimore. Visit the Living in Baltimore section of this website for more information on the area.
[Return to top]

I have most of the courses needed to be considered eligible, but not all of them. Is there any flexibility with the coursework requirements?
The Maryland State Department of Education does accept passing scores on certain CLEP exams to count as college credit towards meeting these requirements. Additionally, once selected into the program, BCTR staff will work with you to ensure you meet coursework eligibility guidelines. Individuals may make up no more than six credit hours via alternative means, however, to go towards the 30 credits hours needed to be eligible to teach a given subject area. For more information specific to your situation, contact the Baltimore City Teaching Residency office at bctr@bcps.k12.md.us.
[Return to top]

Application Process

How do I apply to become a Resident?
An application consists of a complete online application form, a resume, and responses to application questions. After reading through this website thoroughly to learn more about the program requirements and benefits, visit the Apply Now section of the website for details and to apply today.
[Return to top]

Can I include letters of recommendation with my application?
No. Because of the sheer number of applications we receive, we are unable to consider documents or materials other than those required for a complete application (application form, resume, and application questions). Materials that are not required will be discarded. However, we do ask for references on the application, which we may contact to receive further insight on our applicants.
[Return to top]

Do I need to send transcripts with my application?
Please do not send your transcripts to the BCTR office. Candidates invited to interview will be asked to bring unofficial or official copies of transcripts. You should also note that official transcripts are not required with the initial application for the Baltimore City Teaching Residency. However, acceptance into the Residency program for those candidates extended offers is contingent upon our receipt of 2 official, sealed transcripts from each institution attended, and, Residents who enroll in the program will eventually need a total of three official transcripts from each institution. Residents cannot begin training until these transcripts have been received.
[Return to top]

What happens after I submit my application?
Every application is reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and potential for success as a Resident. You will receive notification of your application status within two weeks of our receipt of your complete application.
[Return to top]

What happens during an interview event?
The interview represents one of the most important elements of the application process, offering candidates a chance to demonstrate their strengths and commitment to making a difference in Baltimore’s neediest schools. Candidates will be placed in groups of up to ten, along with one to two interviewers. An interview event consists of both a group session and an individual interview. Each candidate will be asked to teach a five-minute lesson to the larger group, participate in a group discussion, write about a specific educational scenario, and engage in a one-on-one interview with a interviewer. At the event, candidates have the chance to meet other potential Residents and to gain a deeper perspective on the program. More information about the interview event will be provided in advance.
[Return to top]

When and where do interviews take place?
All interviews are conducted in person in the Baltimore area. Most interview events are held on weekends, and each candidate will be given the opportunity to sign up for an interview event that is most convenient for him/her. We encourage candidates to apply early, as this may allow more opportunities to select a convenient interview event date.
[Return to top]

Do I have to interview in Baltimore?
Yes. We understand that it can be an investment of time and money for our out-of-town candidates to travel here to Baltimore to interview; however, candidates invited to interview must attend one of our interview events in order to continue the application process. Interview events are comprehensive and designed to enable you to demonstrate your commitment to closing the achievement gap and your potential to become an excellent teacher through a variety of methods. They are also your chance to meet other potential Residents. Therefore, this is not something that we can re-create by telephone or by other means.
[Return to top]

What is the application deadline?
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2010-2011 school year. Please visit our site in October 2010 to view opportunities for the 2011-2012 school year. If you would like to be informed when we begin accepting applications again, please click here.
[Return to top]

How can I get more information?
We regularly hold information sessions for anyone interested in learning more about the program. Please e-mail us at bctr@bcps.k12.md.us or call us at 410-396-7383 for more information.
[Return to top]

Admission and Enrollment

I applied to BCTR but wasn't accepted. Can I appeal the decision on my application?
No. Unfortunately we do not have the capacity to grant appeals. However, we encourage applicants to re-apply to the next available cohort.
[Return to top]

Can I defer acceptance into the program?
No. Once accepted, you may not defer acceptance into the Residency.
[Return to top]

Can I re-apply to the program next year if I am not accepted?
Yes, but in order to be considered, you must be able to demonstrate improvements in your candidacy since your previous application. The process for applicants who are re-applying is no different than that for applicants applying for the first time. Because the needs of the school system change from year to year, even those applicants who were admitted to the program in a previous year and declined our offer of admission or withdrew from the program must re-apply to begin teaching the following year.
[Return to top]

I meet all of the BCTR eligibility requirements. Why wasn't I accepted?
The BCTR program is highly selective, with many more eligible applicants than we have positions available in the program. Our eligibility requirements are only the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the program, and meeting them in no way guarantees an applicant acceptance. Neither is an achievement or experience, including prior teaching experience, sufficient to guarantee acceptance.
[Return to top]

When does the program actually begin?
The Training Institute is tentatively scheduled to begin in late June and go through to the end of July. Upon successful completion of training, Resident Teachers will then start teaching full time immediately following the Training Institute.
[Return to top]

Your Teaching Position

What will I be teaching?
Candidates to the Residency program are accepted to teach specific subjects. The subject that you are accepted to teach is based on the staffing needs of the schools, your eligibility, and, where possible, your subject area preferences. Your eligibility is determined according to strict district and state regulations. Residents are needed to teach in subjects where Baltimore students are currently most in need of strong teachers.
[Return to top]

How do I know what subject I am qualified to teach?
What you are qualified to teach largely depends on your academic history and your successful passing of the appropriate content exam. Generally speaking, to be qualified to teach a subject, you must have a strong academic background in the field – including 30 hours of relevant coursework. You must also pass the corresponding Praxis II. Please visit the Eligibility section for more detailed information. Candidates will receive more specific direction on what tests they are required to take with their invitation to interview.
[Return to top]

Where will I be teaching?
Residents will teach in high-need schools—often with less resources and greater need for strong teachers. It is the mission of the Baltimore City Teaching Residency program to staff schools in high-need areas, and all candidates should be prepared to teach wherever they are most needed and can have the greatest impact on student achievement. Please click here for more information.
[Return to top]

How does the process of securing a position work?
District hiring is coordinated through our program office-our program staff work closely with district HR staff and principals on identifying schools that need teachers. Although candidates will have the opportunity to express their subject area and geographical preferences, these assignments are driven primarily by district and school needs. Residents must be extremely flexible about their teaching positions.
[Return to top]

Can I choose where I will teach?
The Baltimore City Teaching Residency program facilitates parts of the Residents’ placement process, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the Resident to present him/herself as a compelling candidate for hire and the decision of the school and district to hire a Resident to teach at a particular school.
[Return to top]

When will I know where I will be teaching?
Residents will be actively engaged in the hiring process from spring through the beginning of the school year. Identifying and finalizing a specific teaching job is a challenging process, as there are many variables involved in predicting job openings at the school level. You will receive more information about this process if you are accepted into the Residency program.
[Return to top]

Can I change my teaching position after I have started teaching?
You are expected to teach at the school where you are originally hired and commit to positive change in your school for a minimum of three years.
[Return to top]

Will there be other Residents teaching at my school?
The Residents program works with schools to cluster teachers in the same school or neighborhood where possible. However, district hiringis due in large part to district need and the location of un-staffed positions; for this reason, we ask Residents to be extremely flexible about their teaching assignment.
[Return to top]

Training and Resources

Once I become a Resident, how will I be prepared for the classroom?
Residents will complete an intensive training program that includes observation and practice teaching in a Baltimore summer school classroom, daily sessions led by experienced teachers focused on the practical aspects of teaching and issues faced by teachers in high-need schools, and additional coursework related to the foundation of strong teaching practices. Attendance at all components of training is mandatory. Please click here for more information.
[Return to top]

How intensive is the Training Institute?
The BCTR training program concentrates a great deal of training into only a few weeks; thus, training is extremely demanding. Due to the critical part that training plays in preparing Residents to be successful in the classroom, Residents cannot miss any portion of the training. Please review the Training & Resources section of this website for more information.
[Return to top]

How long is training?
The training program for Residents is a full-time, four-five week commitment. .
[Return to top]

Will I be paid for training?
Residents are provided with a $2,000 pre-tax stipend. (This stipend is subject to stipend taxes.) The stipend is generally distributed at the end of training. Because the time between the start of training and a Resident’s first paycheck may be lengthy (possibly June to September), we encourage Residents to take appropriate measures to ensure their financial well-being during this time. Participants go on the district payroll when they begin teaching. Please review the Salary and Benefits section of this website for more information.
[Return to top]

What kind of ongoing resources and connections are available to Residents?
Residents often look to develop their most basic, ongoing support network at their schools and from their cohort of Residents. Although every situation is different, Residents may collaborate with and access resources from other teachers at their school, district instructional specialists, assistant principals, principals, or a grade- or subject-level team. Moreover, training events facilitate connections among Residents who often teach the same subjects areas. Residents may take advantage of district and school-sponsored professional development programs. The BCTR office also makes Residents aware of professional development and networking opportunities throughout the year and publishes a regular newsletter. New Residents can draw on their connections with other Residents and district teachers as a resource for planning, reflection, and shared encouragement as they strive for excellence in their individual classrooms.
[Return to top]

Compensation and Benefits

What is the starting salary for Residents?
Residents become salaried employees of City Schools on the first day that all teachers report back to their school placement. The starting salary for Residents is the same as that for all other beginning teachers in Baltimore City Public Schools; a first year Resident, entering the school system as a highly qualified teacher, will begin earning a Step 4 salary according to their highest earned degree. For more information please click here.
[Return to top]

What employment benefits do Residents receive?
Residents are eligible for the same benefits as all other district teachers, including health insurance and a pension plan. For more information about benefits, refer to the Salary & Benefits section of this website.
[Return to top]